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Abstract:

A transportable photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic
devices, a composite frame to which the plurality of photovoltaic devices
are affixed, and a base structure to which the composite frame is movably
attached through at least one variable-angle mount structure. The
orientation of the frame and the light concentrating elements relative to
the base structure can be altered employing the at least one
variable-angle mount structure. The frame and the plurality of
photovoltaic devices can be assembled prior to shipping, and the base
structure can be manufactured on site. The transportable photovoltaic
system is not affixed to ground or other fixture, but can be picked up at
any time during the operational lifetime. The transportable photovoltaic
system can be rapidly deployed with little or no site preparation
requirement other than generally level ground, and can be retracted to a
lower exposure position to avoid storm and/or hazardous conditions.

Claims:

1. A transportable photovoltaic structure comprising an assembly of: a
plurality of photovoltaic devices mounted to a frame; and a base unit
attached to said frame through at least one variable-angle mount
structure, wherein said variable-angle mount structure is configured to
rotate said frame around at least one axis, and said base unit is
configured to be placed on a horizontal surface without being affixed to
said horizontal surface.

2. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 1, wherein said
transportable photovoltaic structure is slidable over said horizontal
surface.

3. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 1, wherein said
assembly is not attached to any structure contiguously extending below
said horizontal surface.

4. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 1, wherein said base
unit comprises at least one channel that is raised over a bottom surface
of said base unit and configured to accommodate at least one
substantially horizontal blade within said at least one channel.

5. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 4, wherein said at
least one channel extends from one sidewall of said base unit to another
sidewall of said base unit.

6. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 1, wherein said base
unit comprises a skid that is of contiguous and integral construction
with other portions of said base unit.

7. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 1, wherein said
frame has a first average density, and said base unit has a second
average density, wherein said second average density is greater than said
first average density.

9. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 1, wherein said
frame comprises a composite material including fibers and a matrix
material in which said fibers are embedded.

10. The transportable photovoltaic structure of claim 1, wherein said at
least one variable-angle mount structure includes at least one of an
electrically powered strut, a hydraulically powered strut, and a
pneumatically powered strut.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/365,301, filed Feb. 3, 2012 the entire content and disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to solar concentrators, and more
particularly to a transportable photovoltaic system configured for rapid
deployment and methods of operating the same.

[0003] Solar concentrators allow replacement of large quantities of
expensive semiconductor materials used in fixed flat panel systems with
less expensive materials so that light can be concentrated on a smaller
high power semiconductor photovoltaic device to achieve comparable
performance at a lower cost. Varieties of solar concentrator photovoltaic
systems have been constructed and deployed that range from small rooftop
systems producing a few watts to very large concentrators producing
thousands of watts of power.

[0004] Once deployed, the solar concentrator photovoltaic systems must
tolerate exposure to temperature extremes, dust, rain, hail and high
winds. The ability to tolerate gusts of 140 miles per hour is a common
requirement. Power inversion from direct current (DC) to alternating
current (AC) is typically performed by connecting many concentrators
systems into a single inverter operating at up to many thousands of
watts. In more recent embodiments, micro inverters have been introduced
that will grid couple smaller solar collectors operating at powers of 100
W to 500 W.

[0005] A significant cost component in many current systems is the cost
for on site assembly and extensive site preparation. Concentrator systems
are constructed in component form and shipped to the site for assembly.
On site preparation includes grading, excavation and pouring of
foundations. Once a solar concentrator photovoltaic system is constructed
at a location, the solar concentrator photovoltaic system remains at that
location throughout the duration of the lifetime of the solar
concentrator photovoltaic system.

SUMMARY

[0006] A transportable photovoltaic system includes a plurality of
photovoltaic devices, a composite frame to which the plurality of
photovoltaic devices are affixed, and a base structure to which the
composite frame is movably attached through at least one variable-angle
mount structure. The orientation of the frame and the light concentrating
elements relative to the base structure can be altered employing the at
least one variable-angle mount structure. The frame and the plurality of
photovoltaic devices can be assembled prior to shipping, and the base
structure can be manufactured on site. The transportable photovoltaic
system is not affixed to ground or other fixture, but can be picked up at
any time during the operational lifetime. The transportable photovoltaic
system can be rapidly deployed with little or no site preparation
requirement other than generally level ground, and can be retracted to a
lower exposure position to avoid storm and/or hazardous conditions.
Further, the transportable photovoltaic system can be manufactured at a
low cost, and can be configured for shipment in standard shipping
containers for rapid and economical transportation.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
operating a plurality of photovoltaic devices is provided. The method
includes: mounting a plurality of photovoltaic devices to a frame;
forming an assembly by attaching the frame to a base unit through at
least one variable-angle mount structure, wherein the variable-angle
mount structure is configured to rotate the frame around at least one
axis; and placing the base unit on a horizontal surface without affixing
the base unit to the horizontal surface at a location.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
transportable photovoltaic structure is provided, which includes an
assembly of: a plurality of photovoltaic devices mounted to a frame; and
a base unit attached to the frame through at least one variable-angle
mount structure, wherein the variable-angle mount structure is configured
to rotate the frame around at least one axis, and the base unit is
configured to be placed on a horizontal surface without being affixed to
the horizontal surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1A is a top-down view of a first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in a retracted position according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.

[0010]FIG. 1B is a side view of the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in the retracted position according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011]FIG. 1c is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first exemplary
solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly in the retracted position along
the plane C-C' in FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0012]FIG. 1D is a front view of the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in the retracted position according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013]FIG. 1E is a side view of the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in a tilted position according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0014]FIG. 1F is a top-down view of the first exemplary solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly in an azimuthally rotated position
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 2A-2D are views of a solar concentrator photovoltaic device
at various viewing angles.

[0016]FIG. 3A is a top-down view of a second exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in a tilted position according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0017]FIG. 3B is a side view of the second exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in the tilted position according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.

[0018]FIG. 3c is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second exemplary
solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly in the tilted position along the
plane C-C' in FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a third exemplary solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly in an operational position.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a fourth exemplary solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly in an operational position.

[0021]FIG. 6A is a top-down view of an exemplary flat panel photovoltaic
assembly in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.

[0022]FIG. 6B is a side view of the exemplary flat panel photovoltaic
assembly in the retracted position according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.

[0023]FIG. 6c is a vertical cross-sectional view of the exemplary flat
panel photovoltaic assembly in the retracted position along the plane
C-C' in FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024]FIG. 6D is a front view of the exemplary flat panel photovoltaic
assembly in the retracted position according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.

[0025]FIG. 6E is a side view of the exemplary flat panel photovoltaic
assembly in a tilted position according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0026]FIG. 6F is a top-down view of the exemplary flat panel photovoltaic
assembly in an azimuthally rotated position according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a top-down view of two first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assemblies that are loaded into a standard shipping
container. The hatched area represents the area of the standard shipping
container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As stated above, the present disclosure relates to a transportable
photovoltaic system configured for rapid deployment and methods of
operating the same, which are now described in further detail with
accompanying figures. Throughout the drawings, the same reference
numerals or letters are used to designate like or equivalent elements.
The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0029] As used herein, a "photovoltaic" element is an element that is
configured to generate electricity from electromagnetic radiation in the
visible range, infrared range, or ultraviolet range.

[0030] As used herein, a "solar concentrator" is a device that is
configured to focus a substantially parallel beam, such as solar
radiation, to a focus on a photovoltaic element using a lens or a mirror.

[0031] As used herein, a "solar concentrator photovoltaic" element is a
photovoltaic element that includes at least one solar concentrator.

[0032] As used herein, a "flat panel photovoltaic" element is a
photovoltaic element that does not employ any solar concentrator.

[0033] As used herein, a "transportable" element is an element that is not
permanently affixed to ground or any other fixture, and can be
transported in commercial shipping vehicles such as a truck, a cargo
ship, or a cargo plane after a pick up employing commercial construction
equipment such as a crane or a forklift or by manual means.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F, a first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure is illustrated. The first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly is a transportable photovoltaic system. FIGS. 1A-1D
illustrate the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly
in a retracted position in which the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly is most compact. FIG. 1B is a side view, FIG. 1c is
a vertical cross-sectional view along the plane C-C' in FIG. 1A, and FIG.
1D is a front view of the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly in the retracted position. FIG. 1E illustrates the first
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly in a tilted position
in which the top surface of a frame 30 is at a non-zero angle from a
vertical line. FIG. 1F illustrates the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in an azimuthally rotated position in which the
frame 30 is rotated around an axis that is not parallel to a horizontal
plane. This axis of rotation is vertical in FIG. 1F. In general, the
frame 30 of the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly
can be tilted and rotated by two independent angles.

[0035] The first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly
comprises a plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 that
are mounted on a frame 30. The frame 30 is configured to hold the
plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 through mounting
structures 32, which can be separate structures that are attached to the
frame 30 or can be structures that are integrally formed with the frame,
viz. as components of the frame 30. For example, the mounting structures
32 can be a set of bolts and corresponding threaded holes. The plurality
of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 are thus mechanically
affixed to the frame 30. The solar concentrators shown in these
illustrations employ round lenses. We note that In alternate embodiments
the lens or minors may be individual units or square, rectangular and
hexagonal shape. We further note that in alternate embodiments individual
lens or minor elements may be combined into a single unit or parquet
arrangement.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, an example of a solar concentrator
photovoltaic device 40 is shown at various viewing angles. Each solar
concentrator photovoltaic device 40 can include a solar concentrator 42,
a heat sink 44, and a photovoltaic cell 46. The solar concentrator 42 is
configured to focus a substantially parallel radiation in the visible
range, in the infrared range, and/or in the ultraviolet range onto the
photovoltaic cell 46 within the same solar concentrator photovoltaic
device 40. The plurality of solar concentrators 42 are mounted on the
frame 30 and over the plurality of photovoltaic cells 46 so that solar
radiation incident on the top surfaces of the plurality of solar
concentrators 42 is focused onto the plurality of photovoltaic cells 46.
In one embodiment, the solar concentrator 42 can include a lens 41 and/or
a mirror (not shown) that is/are configured to focus light onto the
photovoltaic cell located within the same solar concentrator photovoltaic
device 40. The lens 41 of a solar concentrator 42, (a) side panel(s) 43
of the solar concentration 42, and a back side panel of the solar
concentrator 42 can provide an enclosure. In one embodiment, the back
side panel of the solar concentrator 42 can be covered by, or replaced
with, the heat sink 44. The location of a photovoltaic cell 46 is
schematically illustrated in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the plurality of
solar concentrators 42 can be configured to provide most efficient
focusing when the solar radiation impinges onto the top surfaces of the
solar concentrators 42 at normal incidence, i.e., in a direction
perpendicular to the top surfaces of the solar concentrators 42.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of solar
concentrators 42 includes a Fresnel lens, a conductive enclosure, and the
heat sink 44. At least one of the plurality of photovoltaic cells 46 is
located at a focal point of said Fresnel lens. For example, a solar
concentrator 42 can include sidewalls of a spun aluminum cone, and can
include a Fresnel lens (not show) affixed with adhesive to the spun
aluminum cone. The length of the spun aluminum cone can be equal to the
sum of the focal length of a lens or a lens system included therein and
the thickness of a photovoltaic cell 46 therein. In alternate embodiments
the solar concentrator may comprise an array of lenses affixed to a
single enclosure with the photovoltaic elements affixed to the back of
said enclosure. In this case the enclosure may comprise a conductive
structural material such as aluminum to dissipate heat and may further
comprise multiple heat sink elements affixed to the enclosure to further
dissipate heat.

[0038] The photovoltaic cells 46 can be any type of photovoltaic cells
known in the art. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic cells 46 can be
multijunction cells having different photovoltaic junctions optimized for
absorbing photons in different wavelength ranges. The multiple
photovoltaic junctions are located at different depths from the topmost
surfaces of the photovoltaic cells 46. In one embodiment, each area of
the photovoltaic cell 46 can be illuminated by roughly equal amounts of
the solar rays in the multiple spectral regions.

[0039] The heat sink 44 is configured to dissipate the heat generated from
the energy focused onto the photovoltaic cell 46 and not converted into
electricity. The heat sink 44 may optionally include fins and/or a fan to
facilitate heat dissipation. The heat sink 44 can be mechanically and
thermally coupled to the spun aluminum cone. The heat sink 44 can also be
affixed to the photovoltaic 46 employing any methods known in the art
including a conductive paste, screws, bolts and nuts, etc.

[0040] The frame 30 is a structure configured to hold the plurality of
solar concentrator devices 40. The frame 30 can include a composite light
weight material such as fiberglass including glass fibers and epoxy,
composite carbon fiber including carbon fibers embedded in an epoxy
matrix, or any other light weight material that can provide sufficient
mechanical strength to hold the plurality of solar concentrator
photovoltaic devices 40. The frame 30 provides structural support to the
plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40. The shape and
size of the frame 30 are selected to mount the plurality of solar
concentrator devices 40. In the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly, seven solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40
are arranged on a hexagonal frame, which functions as a support plate. In
alternate embodiment the frame may comprise a metal such as aluminum,
steel, magnesium and titanium. Combinations of metal and composite
materials may be employed to further improve strength to weight
performance.

[0041] The frame 30 is attached to a base unit 10 through at least one
variable-angle mount structure 20. The at least one variable-angle mount
structure 20 is configured to rotate the frame 30 around at least one
axis relative to the base unit 10. Each of the at least one
variable-angle mount structure 20 can include a powered actuator, which
can be an electrically powered strut, a hydraulically powered strut, a
pneumatically powered strut, and/or a combination thereof. Each of the
variable-angle mount structure 20 can include a hinge, or any other
mechanically equivalent mechanical structure that enable rotation of a
first element attached to a first component of the variable-angle mount
structure 20 relative to a second element attached to a second component
of the variable-angle mount structure 20. The combination of a hinge (or
an equivalent structure) and a powered actuator enables change of the at
least one angle between the base unit 10 and the frame 30.

[0042] The at least one variable-angle mount structure 20 can include a
tilt angle adjustment mount structure 22 configured to raise or lower the
center of gravity of the combination of the frame 30 and the plurality of
solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40. Additionally or alternately,
the at least one variable-angle mount structure 20 can include an
azimuthal angle adjustment mount structure 24 configured to rotate the
combination of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar concentrator
photovoltaic devices 40 within a plane in which the center of gravity of
the combination (30, 40) remains at a same distance from a horizontal
plane that is coplanar with a bottom surface of the base unit 10.

[0043] The base unit 10 is configured to be placed on a horizontal
surface, such as leveled ground, without being affixed to the horizontal
surface. The first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly is
not attached to any structure contiguously extending below the horizontal
surface. The base unit 10 includes a heavy material that can be assembled
on site, i.e., at a location of a first operation of the first exemplary
solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly. In one embodiment, the base
unit 10 includes a heavy material that can provide sufficient weight to
the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly. The base
unit 10 can be made of, for example, cast concrete.

[0044] In one embodiment, the frame 30 can include a material having a
first average density, and the base unit 10 can include another material
having a second average density such that the second average density is
greater than the first average density. The material of the frame 30 can
be, but need not be, a composite material including fibers and a matrix
material in which the fibers are embedded. For example, the frame 30 can
include fiberglass (having a density of about 1.5 grams/cm3) or
composite carbon fiber (having a density of about 1.3 grams/cm3),
and the base unit can be made of cast concrete (having a density of about
2.4 grams/cm3). Alternatively or additionally, the frame 30 can
include one or more of steel, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium.

[0045] In the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly,
the base unit 10 can have a shape of a hollow square box without a top
surface so that the plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices
40 can be protected from hazardous environmental conditions (such as a
hurricane or a heavy snowfall) in a retracted position, as well as
minimizing a total volume of a package including the first exemplary
solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly during a shipment from an
original site (at which the base unit 10 is first attached to the
combination of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar concentrator
photovoltaic devices 40 through that at least one variable-angle mount
structure 20) to another location.

[0046] The first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly can be
employed to operate the plurality of photovoltaic cells 46 therein in an
efficient manner with minimal prior notice or preparation. First, a
plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 is attached to a
frame 30. For example, the plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic
devices 40 can be mounted to the frame 30 to form a first assembly of the
frame 30 and the plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40
at a first location, which can be a centralized manufacturing facility.
The base unit 10 can be manufactured at a second location, which can be
the site of installation for the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly. Thus, the second location can be different from
the first location.

[0047] The first assembly of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar
concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 mounted thereupon can be transported
on a wheeled vehicle such as a truck, a waterway-navigating vehicle such
as a ship or a boat, or a flying vehicle such as a commercial freight
plane from the first location to the second location. Subsequently, the
first assembly (30, 40) can be attached to a base unit 10 at the second
location to form a second assembly, which includes the first assembly
(30, 40) and the base unit 10. The at least one variable-angle mount
structure 20 may be mounted on the first assembly (30, 40) prior to
shipping from the first location to a second location, or may be attached
to the first assembly (30, 40) and the base unit 10 at the second site.
The at least one variable-angle mount structure 20 may be shipped to the
second site with the first assembly (30, 40), or may be shipped to the
second site in a different shipment. In one embodiment, the at least one
variable-angle mount structure 20 may be assembled at a third site
different from the first site and the second site, and be shipped to the
second site for attachment to the first assembly (30, 40) and to the base
unit 10 at the second site.

[0048] Thus, an assembly, i.e., the second assembly, is formed by
attaching the frame 30 to the base unit 10 through the at least one
variable-angle mount structure 20. As discussed above, the at least one
variable-angle mount structure 20 is configured to rotate the frame 30
around at least one axis.

[0049] The base unit 10 can be placed on a horizontal surface at a
location at which the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly becomes operational for the first time, i.e., at a location at
which the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly
generates electricity from solar radiation. The placement of the base
unit 20 at the location at which the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly becomes operational can be performed prior to, or
after, the attachment of the first assembly (30, 40) to the base unit 10
through the at least one variable-angle mount structure 20.

[0050] The base unit 10 is not affixed to the horizontal surface at the
location at which the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly becomes operational. The feature of not affixing the base unit
10, or any component of the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly, to ground, any surface, or any other fixture
enables the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly to
be transportable. The first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly remains in any place by weight and gravity, and can be moved by
typical construction equipment or by a group of 2-3 workers.

[0051] Once the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly
is fully assembled and the base unit 10 is placed at the location of the
first operational site, electricity can be generated from the plurality
of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 while the base unit 10 is
placed at the location.

[0052] During the operation of the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly in which electricity is generated from the
plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 generates
electricity from solar radiation, the frame 30 and the plurality of solar
concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 mounted thereupon can be rotated,
employing the at least one variable-angle mount structure 20, to change
the tilt angle of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar concentrator
photovoltaic devices 40 mounted thereupon, i.e., in a direction that
changes an angle between a horizontal plane and a plane of top surfaces
of the plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40. For
example, the tilt angle adjustment mount structure 22 can be employed to
raise or lower the center of gravity of the combination of the frame 30
and the plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40.

[0053] Further, during the operation of the first exemplary solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly in which electricity is generated from
the plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 generates
electricity from solar radiation, the frame 30 and the plurality of solar
concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 mounted thereupon can be rotated,
employing the at least one variable-angle mount structure 20, to change
the azimuthal angle of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar
concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 mounted thereupon, i.e., around a
direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the top surfaces of the
plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40. For example, the
azimuthal angle adjustment mount structure 24 can be employed to rotate
the combination of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar concentrator
photovoltaic devices 40 within a plane in which the center of gravity of
the combined structure of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar
concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 remains at a same distance from the
horizontal plane that is coplanar with the bottom surface of the base
unit 10, which can be substantially level if in physical contact with a
level ground.

[0054] Because the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly is not affixed to ground, any horizontal surface, or any other
fixture that does not move relative to ground, a construction equipment
operator or a group of workers can slide the first exemplary solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly over the horizontal surface at which
the base unit 10 is initially placed. The first exemplar solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly stays at a location through friction.
The first exemplar solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly is thus
slidable over the horizontal surface if a total sum of lateral forces can
overcome the friction. Thus, first exemplar solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly is slidable with typical construction equipment
such as a bulldozer or with sufficient manpower.

[0055] In one embodiment, the base unit 10 can include features that
enhance transportability of the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly. For example, the bottom portion of the base unit
10 can include a skid 10A that is of contiguous and integral construction
with other portions of the base unit 10. In other words, the skid 10A is
an optional component of the base unit 10. The first exemplar solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly can be moved from the original
location (at which the first exemplar solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly is fully assembled) to another location over the horizontal
surface employing the skid 10A. For example, a forklift operator can
insert blades of a forklift into the skid 10A and pick up the first
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly, and then move the
first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly to the other
location and place the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly there. In an alternate embodiment loops are cast into the
concrete base to allow the use of a hook attachment and thereby enable
ease of movement using a crane.

[0056] In an alternate embodiment, the base unit 10 may not include a
built-in skid, and a skid may be attached to the bottom surface of the
base unit 10 at the time of placement of the base unit 10 at the location
of the first operation of the first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly.

[0057] In one embodiment, the features that enhance transportability of
the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly can include
at least one channel 12, which is incorporated into the base unit 12 at
the time of construction of the base unit 12, e.g., at the time of
constructing a mold for the base unit 12. The at least one channel 12 is
raised over the bottommost planar surface of the base unit 10. The at
least one channel 12 can extend from one sidewall of the base unit 10 to
another sidewall of the base unit 10.

[0058] The first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly can be
moved from one location to another location employing at least one
substantially horizontal blade that slides into the at least one channel
12. For example, a forklift having employing at least one substantially
horizontal blade can be employed to move the first exemplary solar
concentrator photovoltaic assembly.

[0059] In one embodiment, the features that enhance transportability of
the first exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly can include
a plurality of through-hole-including structures 70, which can be
attached to the base unit 10 at the time of the assembling the first
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly. The plurality of
through-hole-including structures 70 can include, for example, eye bolts
that are bolted into corners of the top surface of the base unit 10.
Subsequently, the base unit 10 can be moved from the location of initial
assembly to another location by lifting the assembly employing a chain or
a rope that passes through the plurality of through-hole-including
structures 70.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, a second exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure is illustrated in a tilted position. The second exemplary
solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly is a transportable photovoltaic
system. FIG. 3A is a top-down view, FIG. 3B is a side view, and FIG. 3c
is a vertical cross-sectional view along the plane C-C' in FIG. 3A.

[0061] The second exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly can
include tilt angle adjustment mount structures 22 configured to tilt the
combination of the frame 30 and the plurality of solar concentrator
photovoltaic devices 40 relative to a horizontal surface. Additionally or
alternately, the second exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly can include an azimuthal angle adjustment mount structure 24
configured to rotate the combination of the frame 30 and the plurality of
solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40 within a horizontal plane. The
azimuthal angle adjustment mount structure 24 can be attached to the top
surface of the base unit 10. The tilt angle adjustment mount structure 22
and/or the azimuthal angle adjustment mount structure 24 collectively
constitute at least one variable-angle mount structure that is configured
to rotate the frame 30 around at least one axis relative to the base unit
10. Each of the at least one variable-angle mount structure 20 can
include a powered actuator, which can be an electrically powered strut, a
hydraulically powered strut, a pneumatically powered strut, and/or a
combination thereof. Each of the variable-angle mount structure 20 can
include a hinge, or any other mechanically equivalent mechanical
structure that enable rotation of a first element attached to a first
component of the variable-angle mount structure 20 relative to a second
element attached to a second component of the variable-angle mount
structure 20. The combination of a hinge (or an equivalent structure) and
a powered actuator enables change of the at least one angle between the
base unit 10 and the frame 30.

[0062] The shape and the size of the base unit 10 can be adjusted to
accommodate the plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40.
A base unit 10 having hexagonal sidewalls are illustrated in the second
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly.

[0063] Further, the sidewalls of the base unit 10 are optional, and can be
removed in some embodiments. FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a
third exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly in an
operational position, which is a tilted and rotated position that faces
the sun. Likewise, FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly in an operational
position, which is a tilted and rotated position that faces the sun. The
third exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly and the fourth
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly are transportable
photovoltaic systems.

[0064] The sidewalls of the base unit 10 in the first and second exemplary
solar concentrator photovoltaic assemblies are replaced with a thin
vertical strip 10B, which is a portion of the base unit 10 of the third
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly or a portion of the
base unit 10 of the fourth exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic
assembly.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6F, an exemplary flat panel photovoltaic
assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is
illustrated. The exemplary flat panel photovoltaic assembly is a
transportable photovoltaic system. FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate the exemplary
flat panel photovoltaic assembly in a retracted position in which the
exemplary flat panel photovoltaic assembly is most compact. FIG. 6B is a
side view, FIG. 6c is a vertical cross-sectional view along the plane
C-C' in FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6D is a front view of the exemplary flat panel
photovoltaic assembly in the retracted position. FIG. 6E illustrates the
exemplary flat panel photovoltaic assembly in a tilted position in which
the top surface of a frame 30 is at a non-zero angle from a vertical
line. FIG. 6F illustrates the exemplary flat panel photovoltaic assembly
in an azimuthally rotated position in which the frame 30 is rotated
around an axis that is not parallel to a horizontal plane. This axis of
rotation is vertical in FIG. 6F. In general, the frame 30 of the first
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assembly can be tilted and
rotated by two independent angles.

[0066] The exemplary flat panel photovoltaic assembly can be derived from
the first, second, third, or fourth exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assembly by substituting a flat panel photovoltaic device
140 for each of the solar concentrator photovoltaic device 40. Except for
the difference between a plurality of flat panel photovoltaic devices 140
and a plurality of solar concentrator photovoltaic devices 40, the
exemplary flat panel photovoltaic assembly can be assembled, transported,
and operated in the same manner as the first, second, third, and fourth
exemplary solar concentrator photovoltaic assemblies.

[0067] Because the base unit 10 is not affixed to ground, any surface, or
any other fixture, the various photovoltaic assemblies of the present
disclosure are transportable. Thus, the various photovoltaic assemblies
of the present disclosure can be picked up from the site of the original
assembly and initial operation, for example, by a crane, a forklift, or a
working crew of a few people, and located into a standard shipping
container to be shipped on land, on waterways, or in air in any vehicle
configured to transport shipping containers.

[0068]FIG. 7 is a top-down view of two first exemplary solar concentrator
photovoltaic assemblies that are loaded into a standard shipping
container. The hatched area represents the area of the standard shipping
container. In general, multiple photovoltaic assemblies, which can
include any of the first, second, third, and fourth solar concentrator
photovoltaic assemblies and/or one or more of the flat panel photovoltaic
assemblies, can be loaded into a standard shipping container after
initial assembly at a first operational site, i.e., the location at which
the first assembly of the frame 40 and photovoltaic devices (40 or 140)
are assembled.

[0069] In one embodiment, the size and shape of the base unit 10 and
optionally, the size and shape of the solar concentrator photovoltaic
devices 40 can be adjusted to fit in a standard shipping container
employed for trucks. A standard shipping container has a width of 8 feet,
a height of 9 feet and six inches, and a length of 48 feet or 53 feet.

[0070] In order to facilitate pick up of the various photovoltaic
assemblies of the present disclosure by construction equipment or by a
working crew, the base unit 10 of the various photovoltaic assemblies of
the present disclosure can be provided with any hard points and/or slots
known in the art for lifting with a forklift or a crane.

[0071] In one embodiment, the various photovoltaic assemblies can be
provided with peripheral components (not shown) for immediate operation
upon placement. Such a "drop and plug" operational mode can be enabled
for the various photovoltaic assemblies by providing an automated control
system (such as a computer), a power inverter that transforms an
alternating current (AC) into a direct current (DC), and/or a battery
storing sufficient electrical charge to enable positioning of the frame
30 and the plurality of photovoltaic devices (40 or 140). The battery can
be employed to store sufficient to allow initial power up and orientation
and stowage in emergency loss of load situations for the various
photovoltaic assemblies of the present disclosure.

[0072] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and
described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other
changes in forms and details can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended that
the present disclosure not be limited to the exact forms and details
described and illustrated, but fall within the scope of the appended
claims.